SYLLABUS (tentative) 1 OT 510: Joshua to Kings

SYLLABUS (tentative)
1 OT 510: Joshua to Kings
RTS-Jackson
3 credits
Fall 2012
Dr. Daniel Timmer ([email protected])
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., October 8-12
A. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This is an expositional course that covers Joshua, Judges, 1-2 Samuel and 1-2 Kings, also called the
Former Prophets. Limited attention is given to introductory matters, and our focus is the exegetical,
biblical-theological study of the text and related issues such as historiography and archaeology.
Frequent interactive discussions based on the passages covered help the student develop
exegetical, hermeneutical, and biblical-theological skills. Master of Divinity students should take
Hebrew before enrolling in this course.
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
To know these books’ content and basic historical, political, social and religious backgrounds.
To begin to grasp their structure, main theological themes, and literary features.
To understand the issues involved in critical study of these books.
To develop a careful exegetical method that does justice to the richness of the historical,
literary, and theological expression of each book in view of its God-breathed nature.
5. To have the message of these books permeate us and make us more Christ-like.
6. To integrate humble, thorough exegesis in our personal and vocational use of Scripture.
C. REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND READINGS
Alexander, T. Desmond and Brian S. Rosner (eds.). New Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Downers Grove:
InterVarsity, 2000. ISBN13 9780830814381
Arnold, B. T., and B. E. Beyer. Readings from the Ancient Near East. EBS. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2002. ISBN13
9780801022920
Elliger, K., and W. Rudolph, eds., Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft Stuttgart,
2001). ISBN13 9781598561630 (little) or 9781598561609 (big) M.Div. only
Goldsworthy, Graeme, Preaching the Whole Bible as Christian Scripture: The Application of Biblical Theology to
Expository Preaching. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2000. ISBN13 9780802847300 “GG”
Holladay, William L., A Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1971)
ISBN13 9789004026131 M.Div. only —OR— Koehler; available at Eerdmans.com
Koelher, L., and M. Baumgartner (trans. M. E. J. Richardson), The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old
Testament (2 vols.; Leiden: Brill, 2002) ISBN13 9789004124455 M.Div. only —OR— Holladay
Provan, I., V. P. Long, and T. Longman III. A Biblical History of Israel. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2003. ISBN
9780664220907 “PLL”
Satterthwaite, P., and G. McConville, Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Historical Books. Downers Grove:
InterVarsity, 2007. ISBN 9780830825523 “SM”
Handouts (these will be posted on Power Campus at the beginning of the semester):
Block, D. I. “Tell Me the Old, Old Story: Preaching the Message of Old Testament Narrative.” Pp. 409-38 in Giving
the Sense: Understanding and Using Old Testament Historical Texts. Ed. D. M. Howard Jr. and M. Grisanti. Grand
Rapids: Kregel, 2003.
Kaiser, Walter C. Jr.”Preaching from Historical Narrative Texts of the Old Testament.” Pp. 439-54 in Giving the
Sense: Understanding and Using Old Testament Historical Texts. Ed. D. M. Howard Jr. and M. Grisanti. Grand
Rapids: Kregel, 2003.
Long, V. P. Pages 104-111 from “Reading the Old Testament as Literature.” Pages 85-123 in Interpreting the Old
Testament: A Guide for Exegesis. Edited by C. Broyles. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2001.
Merrill, Eugene H. “History.” Pages 89-112 in Cracking Old Testament Codes: A Guide to Interpreting the Literary
Genres of the Old Testament. Edited by D. B. Sandy and R. L. Giese, Jr. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 1995.
Satterthwaite, P. “Narrative Criticism: The Theological Implications of Narrative Techniques.” Pages 125-33 in
NIDOTTE. Ed. W. VanGemeren. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997.
Strongly recommended:
VanGemeren, W., ed., New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology and Exegesis (5 vols.; Grand Rapids:
Zondervan, 1997). ISBN13 9780310214007
th
Stuart, Douglas K., Old Testament Exegesis: A Handbook for Students and Pastors (4 ed.; Louisville: Westminster
John Knox, 2009). ISBN13 9780664233440
Sternberg, M. The Poetics of Biblical Narrative. ISBL. Indiana University Press, 1987.
Bar-Efrat, S. Narrative Art in the Bible. JSOTSup. Sheffield, 1989.
Alter, Robert. The Art of Biblical Narrative. Basic Books, 1983.
Sparks, K. Ancient Texts for the Study of the Hebrew Bible. Peabody: Hendrickson, 2005.
Chavalas, M. (ed.). The Ancient Near East: Historical Sources in Translation. Oxford: Blackwell, 2006.
See additional resources in PLL, 324 nn. 89, 91, and SM entries at ends of chapters.
D. COURSE ASSIGNMENTS (M.Div., Hebrew-based)
We will employ a number of activities to understand and absorb these books’ message, and to use
it biblical-theologically, in this course.
First, lectures and your timely reading of the assigned texts will cover the books’ background and
content. Your attendance and participation is assumed and appreciated.
Second, you are required to read and summarize in roughly five to seven pages (in advance of the
related lecture) each biblical book covered in the course. Just write this summary as your read the
book—it doesn’t need to be a literary masterpiece, but will serve as the first draft for your
ongoing reflection on these books throughout your career. Pay attention to each book’s structure
and to its theological themes and their development, and include some reflection on how those
themes are drawn to their conclusion in the NT. These are due before the related lectures.
Third, you are to prepare a passage from every other of the Hebrew passages listed on the
scheedule, up to 12 verses each time. In other words, prepare either Josh 5:13-6:5 or Josh 11:1623; then prepare either (1) 12 verses of Josh 23:1-14 or Josh 24:14-25 or (2) 12 verses from
anywhere in Judges 1, and so on. You will thus have prepared five of the ten passages we’ll cover,
and you’ll have prepared at least one passage from each of the books we’ll cover. These “prep
sheets” should include a translation of the passage, parsing of its verbs (you must handwrite this
section; this helps maintain your Hebrew skills, and means no ransacking of your keyboard for
elusive Hebrew letters), a suggested structure, and an explanation of how each part of the
passage contributes to its meaning, with a few sentences at the end on how the main themes of
the passage are fulfilled in Christ and a few lines on their potential applications; the prep sheets
will be about 3-4 pages each. While this work focuses on your skills in Hebrew, push yourself to
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D. C. Timmer, RTS-Jackson, 2012
link that text-based knowledge with your understanding of the book as a whole. These are due
before the related lectures.
MA students: these “prep sheets” are to make use of 3 (three) commentaries published after 1970;
two should be technical, and one should have a homiletical or practical focus. Write about 4
pages on the meaning of the passage—be sure not to just reproduce what the commentaries say,
but tell me what you think about the passage on the basis of your own reading and thinking,
aided but not guided by the commentaries. About 75% of the paper should discuss the passage
(with some attention give to its place in the book), with the other 25% consisting of Christocentric
connections and limited application. These are due before the related lectures.
Fourth, an exegetical paper will be assigned to help you develop a sound exegetical method. For
exegetical work, Stuart's book (see “strongly recommended” under “C,” above, pages 63-81; 6787 for 3rd ed.) will serve as the basis of evaluation. Your passage must be approved by the
instructor. While integrating the facets that Stuart outlines, the paper should have the following
sections (with their approximate relative length): introduction (10%), text criticism (0-5%; only if
necessary!), structure (5%), exegesis and exploration of the text in light of its context, the book's
themes, and biblical theology (the “threads”) (70%), conclusions and synthesis (10%)—no need to
parse verbs or give a translation. You may synthesize all but the introduction and conclusion, but
be sure that your paper has a clear structure (headings are very helpful), that each paragraph has
a clear point, etc. Be sure to involve, by way of compare and contrast, at least one relevant
extrabiblical source with your passage (not more than a page or two). Also be sure to comment
on how the author has exercised selectivity, perspective, and other historiographic elements (cf.
the essays by Satterthwaite, Long, and Merrill). Title page, bibliography, and adequate footnotes
are required. The paper should be 15+ pages, exclusive of title page and bibliography, and must
interact with at least 5 (five) academic journal/dictionary articles in addition to at least 3 (three)
commentaries and other resources. Feel free to discuss the writing of this paper with me.
Last, there will be a final exam that tests your comprehension and retention of the lectures and
readings as well as your Hebrew skills. You will be asked to parse verbs from (M.Div. only) and
exegete one or more passages from the books covered, comment on relevant theological or
practical issues, etc. You will also be several general knowledge questions drawn from the lecture
and reading, and asked to indicate what percentage of the assigned readings you completed.
Weighting of Assignments:
Reading and summaries of biblical books
Prep sheets
Exegetical paper
Final exam
10
20
30
40
E. MISCELLANEOUS
All written work is to be typed, double-spaced, on 8.5"x11" paper. All main text is to be in a legible
12-pt typeface; footnotes may be in 10- or 12-pt typeface. Provide a cover page (including paper
title, your name, mailbox number, class name, professor, and date) and full bibliography (when
required), and be sure that each page after the cover page is numbered. Bibliographies and
foot/endnotes are to be prepared according to Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers,
Theses, and Dissertations (6th ed. or later), specifically the “notes-bibliography” style (as opposed
to APA style = “Jones 1999, 23-25”).
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D. C. Timmer, RTS-Jackson, 2012
The grading scale for the course is as follows: late work will be penalized one full letter grade/day.
97-100%
A
86-87
B75-77%
D+
72-74%
D
94-96%
A83-85%
C+
91-93%
B+
80-82%
C
70-71%
D88-90%
B
78-79%
C0-69%
F
Cheating or plagiarism will be dealt with in accordance with the Student Handbook. Since cheating
and plagiarism are tantamount to theft, either may result in a failing mark for the assignment
concerned, a failing mark for the course, or dismissal from the Seminary.
In order to ensure full participation, any student with a disability requiring special accommodations
(voice recording, special equipment, reading or writing needs) is encouraged to contact the
professor before the beginning of the course.
Apart from special circumstances, you are kindly requested to turn off and refrain from using PDAs,
iPods, cell phones, and the like.
This syllabus is intended to represent accurately the learning objectives, instructional format, and
other information so that students are able to appraise the course. However, the instructor
reserves the right to modify and part of this syllabus during the semester in light of events or
circumstances which may present themselves during the semester.
F. COURSE SCHEDULE
Dates
Mon part 1
Topic
Tues part 2
ANE history and
history writing
Bib. Theo. & hist.
books; reading
biblical history
Intro to exegesis;
Joshua
Joshua, cont’d
Tues part 3
Joshua, cont’d
Wed part 1
Wed part 2
Wed part 3
Thur part 1
Thur part 2
Thur part 3
Fri part 1
Fri part 2
Judges
Judges, cont’d
Samuel
Kings
Kings, cont’d
Kings, cont’d
Kings, cont’d
Deut. Hist stuff
Mon part 2
Tues part 1
Reading/writing to complete by the
beginning of class
SM chs. 1, 2; Arnold & Beyer 137-69,
esp. # 39, 47, 49, 50
GG 1-151; Block, Kaiser, Long, Merrill,
and Satterthwaite handouts
Passages to
prepare
(none)
PLL 138-92, SM & NDBT on Joshua
Josh 5:13-6:5
(none)
NDBT on biblical theology, Israel
Josh 11:16-23
(nation), kingdom of God, land, nations,
remnant, rest, temple
Josh 23:1-16 or
24:14-25
SM & NDBT on Judges
Jdg 1
Jdg 2-3
PLL 193-238, SM & NDBT on Samuel
Jdg 17
PLL 239-77, SM & NDBT on Kings
1 Kings 1
1 Kings 2
1 Kings 3
Conclusion of Solomon, wisdom
1 Kings 4
SM ch. 7
Final Exam during exam week, papers
due (email pdf) on “Paper Day”
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D. C. Timmer, RTS-Jackson, 2012
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Course:
Professor:
Campus:
Date:
Joshua-Kings (OT 510)
Daniel C. Timmer
Jackson
Fall 2012
MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
Rubric
In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined
the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process.
Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the
contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes.
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both
Articulation
oral and written, of essential biblical, theological,
(oral &
historical, and cultural/global information, including
written)
details, concepts, and frameworks.
Significant knowledge of the original meaning of
Scripture
Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research
further into the original meaning of Scripture and to
apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances.
(Includes appropriate use of original languages and
hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical,
and cultural/global perspectives.)
Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and
Reformed
practice, with emphasis on the Westminster
Theology
Standards.
Sanctification
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the
student’s sanctification.
Desire for
Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of
God.
Winsomely
Reformed
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an
appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians,
especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the
Gospel in a God-honoring manner to non-Christians;
and a truth-in-love attitude in disagreements.)
Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture
to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Preach
Worship
Shepherd
Church/World
Strong
Strong
Moderate
Moderate
Moderate
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christianworship forms; and ability to construct and skill to
lead a worship service.
Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in
spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings;
and encouraging a concern for non-Christians, both
in America and worldwide.
Ability to interact within a denominational context,
within the broader worldwide church, and with
significant public issues.
5
Mini-Justification
Strong
Moderate
Minimal
None
Significant academic paper stresses
clear writing, cogent thought, and
concision.
1. Major part of class is exegesis of
prophetic texts
2. Original languages are used in class
and in course paper
3. Emphasis on seeing the prophets’
message in light of whole Bible
1. Christocentric approach to prophets
is classically reformed
2. Use of redemptive history is
classically reformed
1. Study of the text is part of
sanctification
2. All exegetical work ends in
application
Multi-faceted applications are made
from biblical texts, e.g. environment,
politics, theological method, wisdom
Strong
1. Courteous, careful interaction with
historical-critical scholars is part of
lectures, assigned reading and writing
2. Integrates varied evangelical work
Moderate
The courses focuses on bringing
understanding of text to a point where
homiletical work can continue
Minimal
1. Interpretation leads to worship
2. Understanding is a prerequisite for
obedience and consecration
Moderate
Biblical knowledge and hermeneutical
skill is major factor in this category of
church life
Minimal
Understanding the whole Bible via
biblical theology necessary to
articulating its message
D. C. Timmer, RTS-Jackson, 2012